Becoming a naturalized United States citizen is the goal for countless immigrants who come to the U.S. to live better lives. Please continue reading and contact an experienced Baltimore County, Maryland citizenship lawyer here at Sheri Hoidra Law Office, LLC to learn more about whether you qualify to be a citizen, how the naturalization process works, and how we can help guide you through it.
Should I Hire a Baltimore County, Maryland Citizenship Lawyer?
If you believe you qualify for naturalization, our Baltimore County, Maryland immigration lawyer is here to help. Naturalization is a document-heavy process, and our firm can help ensure it goes as smoothly as possible.
Qualifying for U.S. Citizenship
The first thing you should understand is that not everyone automatically qualifies for citizenship. To qualify, you must meet various criteria, including the following:
- You must be at least 18 years old and a Permanent Resident of the United States.
- You must be a Permanent Resident of the United States for three years (if you are married to a U.S. citizen) or five years if you are not.
- You must not have been outside of the United States for one year or more during the last five years (or last three if you are married to a U.S. citizen.
- You must reside in the district or state where you are applying for at least three months.
- In most cases, you are required to be able to read, write, and speak basic English, though there are exceptions.
- You must be of good moral character.
- You must know and understand the fundamentals of U.S. history and civics.
The Naturalization Process
If you meet the aforementioned qualifications, you should be eligible for naturalization. Keep in mind that the naturalization process is an involved one, which is why it is best to proceed with an experienced Baltimore County, Maryland citizenship lawyer in your corner. An outline of the naturalization process is as follows:
- We will prepare and submit your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
- Attend a biometrics appointment.
- Attend and complete an interview with USCIS.
- Receive a decision from USCIS regarding the status of your Form N-400.
- Attend your naturalization ceremony and take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States.
Contact a Baltimore County, Maryland Citizenship Lawyer
Contact Sheri Hoidra Law Office, LLC today to schedule your consultation with our legal team. We can assess your situation, determine whether you should qualify, and guide you through every step of the process ahead. Our compassionate attorneys are on your side.
